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Base quotes have been pulled significantly at three time periods over the last week, with cuts equating to a reduction of €10 to €15 on a carcase weighing 21kg.
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The keenest demand on the evening was recorded for fleshed ram lambs with the standout price being €198 paid for a batch of 10 weighing 46.5kg.
In addition to peak throughput in factories reports indicate the festival will significantly boost the number of sheep exported live from Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The live trade in NI is returning higher prices to farmers with slaughter-fit lambs for sale.
Sale entries are running significantly higher in many marts, with prices steady-to-stronger on the back of buying for the Eid al-Adha festival.
A weekly kill of between 60,000 and 70,000 head is expected, with factories ramping up processing capacity and some planning to operate at the weekend.
Official base quotes are starting the week in a steady manner but there are reports of producers with significant numbers securing 10c/kg higher.
Last week's kill was recorded at just 42,826 head and it is hard to see where an additional 20,000 to 30,000 sheep will appear from to meet demand for the Eid al-Adha festival.
Speaking at the sheep shearing championships, IFA sheep chair Adrian Gallagher said the attempted cut risked undermining the sheep trade.
While breeding seems a long time away early lamb producers in particular are being advised of potential supply shortages of enzootic abortion vaccines.
